Leadership Awards
Annual Awards
Each year, during the Annual Convention, Americans for the Arts presents the following Annual Awards in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field:
- Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award
For dramatically affecting the political landscape through arts advocacy efforts at the state level
- Ann Marie Miller, Director of Advocacy & Public Policy, ArtPride New Jersey, Burlington, N
- Arts Education Award
For excellence in arts education program design and execution, as well as leadership
- Eric Booth, Teaching Artist, High Falls, NY
- American Express Emerging Leaders Award
For demonstrating exemplary leadership in the arts administration field by a new and/or young leader- Lara Davis, Arts Education Manager, City of Seattle, Office of Arts & Culture, Seattle, WA
- Michael Newton Award
For innovation in united arts fundraising by a community arts professional, volunteer, or organization
- Jeff Hawthorne, Director of Community Engagement, Regional Arts and Culture Council, Portland, OR
- Public Art Network Award
For innovative and creative contributions and commitment in the field of public art
- Association for Public Art, award was accepted by Penny Balkin Bach, Executive Director of the Association for Public Art
- Selina Roberts Ottum Award
For outstanding local leadership in the arts by a community arts professional or volunteer
- Richard E. Huff, Executive Director, Irving Arts Center, Irving, TX
Public Leadership in the Arts Awards
Presented at a variety of venues through the year, Public Leadership in the Arts Awards recognize elected officials who play a pivotal role in advancing the arts and arts education within their communities and whose vision and leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts.
Presented in cooperation with the United States Conference of Mayors
- Congressional Arts Leadership Award
Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) - National Award for Local Arts Leadership
Mayor Annise Parker (Houston, TX)
Mayor Donnalee Lozeau (Nashua, NH) - National Award for State Arts Leadership Award
Governor John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Presented in cooperation with the National Conference of State Legislatures
- State Arts Leadership Award
Rep. Brent Yonts (D-KY)
Presented in cooperation with the National Lieutenant Governors Association
- Lieutenant Governor Arts Leadership Award
Lt. Gov. Matt Michels (R-SD)
Presented in cooperation with Destination Marketing Association International
- Arts Destination Marketing Award
El Paso, Texas
Napa Valley, California